Found black mold from AC leak; contact landlord immediately?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit for the last month, and I just pulled back a corner of the wallpaper behind the unit and found a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold. It smells really damp and earthy. What’s the absolute fastest way to deal with this safely, and should I get my landlord involved immediately or try to clean it myself first?
Posted by Ashley Lee
Asked on April 20, 2026 9:05 pm
Contact your landlord immediately and send them clear photos of the damage. In Dubai, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining AC systems and addressing leaks that cause property damage. Do not attempt a large cleanup yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination.

The black, fuzzy growth and earthy smell strongly suggest a significant moisture issue. In our climate, AC leaks create a perfect breeding ground for mold due to the constant combination of condensation and high humidity. The fastest, safest way to deal with this is a professional inspection to assess the extent of the damage behind the wall and a proper remediation plan. A certified inspector can identify the mold type and create a containment strategy.

Until help arrives, you can minimize exposure by keeping the bedroom door closed and the room well-ventilated. Avoid using that AC unit, as it will continue to blow spores into the room. For a situation of this apparent size, a DIY cleaning is not recommended and could violate your tenancy agreement by not properly addressing the root cause, which is the ongoing leak. The landlord needs to fix the AC leak first; only then can the mold be permanently resolved.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 23, 2026 8:35 am